Scars decisions — 2010

The Veteran's asthma condition is currently rated at 50% for the entire appeal period, and his scar, right back, and allergic rhinitis are not service-connected. The Veteran has been granted increased ratings for his asthma conditions.

The VA has granted a 10 percent rating for the appellant's scars, effective from the date of this decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right thigh scars, as well as his claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD), were previously denied. The current decision denies these claims again due to the lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for the awards of 10 percent ratings for scars, bilateral inguinal regions, and residuals of bilateral herniorrhaphy are denied as there is no legal basis for such requests.

The Veteran's service-connected perforated esophagus through and through with GERD, left vocal cord paralysis due to tracheal injury, gunshot scars and tracheostomy scars neck, and comminuted fracture third metacarpal left hand are not entitled to increased ratings prior to December 9, 2008. Effective December 9, 2008, the Veteran's service-connected perforated esophagus through and through with GERD is rated at 10%. The Veteran's service-connected gunshot scars and tracheostomy scars neck are not entitled to increased ratings. The Veteran's service-connected comminuted fracture third metacarpal left hand is rated at 10% effective December 9, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left leg disability, an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for scar of residual of shrapnel wound to the back prior to August 1, 2009, and entitlement to an initial compensable evaluation for PTSD was denied.

The Board found that there is no credible evidence linking the Veteran's kidney disorder to his military service, and denied both claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her cranial scars and laparotomy scar have been denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back, lung, and left leg disorders are not related to his active duty service. However, it was determined that he has residuals of appendicitis with a scar which is related to his service.

The Board denied the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for residuals of scarlet and rheumatic fever, finding no new and material evidence that would support reopening the claim.

The Board has determined that a rating in excess of 10 percent for post-operative residuals of boutonniere's deformity of the right fifth finger is not warranted, and an initial compensable disability rating for a scar of the right fifth finger remains unchanged.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for scars on the left forearm have been denied as there is no evidence of a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board found no credible evidence of a burn injury or any pertinent abnormalities in service, and no probative medical evidence relating any current disorder to service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for residuals of burn scars to the feet and ankles was denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The initial noncompensable rating assigned for scar tissue of the left foot is upheld, as the evidence does not show any limitation of function or instability.

The Veteran's initial ratings for his scars have been granted, with the most recent rating decision increasing the rating to 30 percent effective November 19, 2008. The Veteran is satisfied with this rating and has withdrawn his appeal regarding the earlier date of service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected residual scars have been manifested by superficial scarring without pain, instability, or loss of function. The criteria for an initial evaluation higher than 10 percent and 30 percent have not been met.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right leg condition, finding that there was no evidence linking his current conditions to service.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation (SMC) on the basis of the need for the regular aid and attendance of another person, or at the housebound rate.

The Veteran's facial scars and left knee disorder are related to his military service, and the Board has granted service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, which include multiple injuries incurred in action and posttraumatic stress disorder, are found to be so disabling that they prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board grants a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.